Heath's Down Under salute

As his final film, "The Dark Knight" breaks box office records, actor Heath Ledger was honored by the Australian film industry. The actor's family will be presented with the Chauvel Award for his contribution to that country's cinema business.

The announcement was made about Ledger's honor by the Queensland Arts Minister Ron Welford at the kick-off for the annual Brisbane International Film Festival.

"Over the years, there have been many others who have drawn focus to the Australian film industry either through their own personal achievements in their field or their consistent and staunch support for Australian filmmaking," Welford said.

"Heath Ledger did both, and his passing highlighted how loved and revered he was - not just by fans, but by the Australian filmmaking community."

Ledger's family will be attending the award ceremony which will take place on August 7.

For our readers we have this special photo at the right, Heath Ledger's final portrait.